Stephen Curry Has No "Regrets" Leaving $2.16 Billion Company For Li-Ning

It’s been nearly a year since Stephen Curry parted ways with Under Armour. Back in November 2025, Curry Brand and the $2.16 billion company went their separate ways over concerns about Under Armour’s investment and commitment to the brand. Curry reportedly felt the company wasn’t putting enough money behind marketing his signature line. He was also said to be frustrated by the lack of other major basketball stars representing Under Armour, especially compared to brands like Nike and Adidas.

Now, Curry has officially moved on. The Warriors superstar has joined Li-Ning, with Curry Brand set to operate under the Chinese sportswear giant moving forward. Curry reportedly signed a 10-year endorsement deal worth more than $400 million. After making the switch, Curry recently opened up about his decision and explained why he ultimately chose Li-Ning over staying with Under Armour.

"I think it was a great run. Under Armour had a great experience over the 12- 13 years I was there, developed Curry Brand underneath," Steph said in an interview with CNBC Television. "For me is looking at the longevity and legacy of what I think is possible not just here in the US but globally, across basketball, golf, lifestyle, and training, and Li-Ning has been an unbelievable partner."

"It's a long-term scope of what we're trying to do. I tried everything literally, and there was a reason that Li-Ning stood tall at the end cause the product kind of reigned supreme," Curry added.

According to sources, Steph’s first signature shoe with Li-Ning is expected to arrive in early 2027. However, fans won’t have to wait that long to see Curry-inspired releases from the brand, as themed sneakers and player exclusives have already started appearing in stores.

One example is the upcoming Way of Wade 12 “Curry Moment Pack,” which is scheduled to release on Friday, September 19.

Stephen Curry Pledges Loyalty to Warriors Amid Exit Rumors

Stephen Curry has been one of the biggest talking points of the NBA offseason, largely because he is heading into the final year of his contract with the Golden State Warriors. With the 2026-27 season approaching, Curry has yet to sign an extension, leaving some uncertainty about what comes next.

The Warriors have reportedly offered Steph a two-year extension worth $136.7 million. However, sources say Curry would rather focus on the upcoming season before deciding on his next contract. The offer is reportedly valid through June 30, 2027, giving Curry until then to make a decision on his future with Golden State.

For now, Curry appears focused on the 2026-27 season. What happens during his 18th NBA season could play a role in determining his next move.

Given the circumstances, many Warriors fans are concerned that Curry could take a similar route to what LeBron James did when he decided to leave the Los Angeles Lakers for the Philadelphia 76ers. However, in an interview with CNBC Television, Steph reassured fans, stating that he plans on retiring with the Warriors.

"I've always stated that I wanna be a lifer with Golden State," Curry said. "What we've built there, the fact that I get to run it back this year with Draymond and Coach Kerr. All the contract stuff is this NBA thing from year to year; it's so crazy things change really fast. But I do know my interest and mission to stay in Golden State and be competitive is there, and the contract stuff will take care of itself."

LeBron exercised a player option that made him a free agent and had the full market available to him immediately. Curry has no such lever available right now. He is under a current $62.6 million deal through 2026-27, meaning he cannot leave Golden State as a free agent until the summer of 2027 at the earliest.

The relevant question is not whether he leaves this summer, but whether he signs the extension now that extends his commitment beyond that single remaining year.

The NBA's Over-38 Rule means Curry can only be under contract for no more than three years total, limiting the maximum deal he can now sign to two years and $136.7 million.

That ceiling matters because it shapes what any extension conversation actually looks like, and it also puts a structural end date on his career in Golden State regardless of intent.

Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy has been unambiguous.

"I've always stated we want Steph to finish his career here, be here for as long as he wants," Dunleavy told reporters. "I don't see under any scenario where we don't want to figure out a way to have him finish here." He later added in August that he was "pretty confident Steph will finish his career" with the Warriors, while acknowledging it was ultimately Curry's call.